Barrows Featured Artist of April: Lisa WB Walker

Lisa WB Walker’s journey into the world of pottery began when she was a senior in high school, sparking a passion that has continued to burn brightly for over four decades. Armed with a degree in Studio Art from Skidmore College, Lisa’s artistic pursuits traversed various mediums, including photography and painting, before she found her true calling in clay. With a business dedicated to selling one-of-a-kind pieces, alongside her role as a pottery instructor for both Motherbrook Arts and Nobles Day Camp in the summertime, and art teacher for after-school programs at the Westwood Recreation Department, Lisa is a driving force behind Westwood’s vibrant visual arts scene.
 

“I like to make collections,” Lisa shares, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “I study the new colors of the season and create basic forms in those hues, which evolve seasonally.” Her signature collection, Prelude, symbolizes the start of something new, and is revisited every season, with slight changes each time.
 

Lisa’s inspiration often springs from her travels. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the sandy shores of the Azores, each collection reflects a moment captured in time, translated into functional art pieces that transport the recipient back to those distinct places.
 

In 2017, Lisa was selling her work at the Dedham Guild alongside fellow Westwood residents Jane Wojick and Kathy Zola. They were frustrated that there was a lack of both space and opportunity to display and sell their art in Westwood. So the three of them, along with Karen Cagan and Carol Ahearn, got together for coffee and decided to found the Westwood Artists group. With the support of Melinda Garfield from the Westwood Media Center, they transformed a space into a gallery, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their creations and engage with the community.
 

From curated exhibitions to sidewalk sales, Westwood Artists has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Lisa and her fellow visionaries. “Our goal is simple: to make professional artists in Westwood more visible and accessible,” Lisa explains, her passion for community-driven art palpable.
 

For those interested in pursuing art, of any form, Lisa offers invaluable advice: “Get your teaching certificate. It’s really hard to make money in art. And teaching is a great way to have some income and be able to do your work at the same time.”
 

She emphasizes the importance of acquiring diverse skills and the relentless dedication required in the field. Despite the challenges, Lisa finds immense fulfillment in teaching.
 

“I learn a lot from my students,” she reflects. “And I love teaching, especially kids, because they are so happy to just play and explore different mediums.”
 

As she juggles teaching, creating, and community engagement, Lisa finds joy in the perpetual pursuit of creativity.
 
“There’s never enough time to make art, to travel, to teach. I like staying really busy. It’s wonderful.”
 

To continue to follow Lisa’s artistic adventures, please visit www.lisawbwalker.com
 

Any artist residing in town interested in joining the Westwood Artists is encouraged to take part in the increasing number of events and projects hosted by the group. Join as an artist or patron to hear about local art and craft shows, market opportunities and development workshops by emailing westwoodartists@gmail.com or by messaging them through their Facebook page @westwoodartists.
 

Congratulations Lisa for being our April Featured Artist! If you’d like to nominate an artist of any sort to be featured – music, acting, painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. – please email dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com